I have asked what kind of restroom facilities and toilets are standard in New Zealand.

I know whether or not I will be living in a co–ed dorm or apartment in New Zealand, and if my program permits co–ed living.

Medical Care and Insurance

I am familiar with the health care system of the country where I will be studying, including the quality of facilities and the cost of services.

I know the location of the nearest hospital to my abroad residence.

I know what my insurance policy does and does not cover.

I will be provided with a translator if needed during a doctor visit or hospital stay.

I have an emergency contact in the U.S. and abroad.

I have a first aid kit.

I know how to refill needed prescriptions abroad.

Basic Health and Safety

Before leaving, I have gotten a complete physical from my doctor.

I have received all necessary immunizations required/recommended for entry to the countries I will visit, and I know where to obtain other inoculations abroad if needed later.

I know who the emergency contact will be at the U.S. and in New Zealand.

I know who my emergency contact will be at home.

I have asked whether or not the drinking water is safe to drink in New Zealand.

I know what precautions to take when eating local food.

I have researched where to buy food that suits my dietary needs/restrictions (i.e. for vegetarians, diabetics, etc...).

I know how extensive, safe and reliable the public transportation system is in New Zealand.

I am aware of the laws and codes of conduct that are likely to impact me.

I understand that the use of alcohol and drugs increases my risk of accident and injury.

Risk Factors and Strategies to Reduce Risk

I know which non–verbal behaviors are considered inappropriate/rude and which are commonly used (certain hand gestures, greeting by bowing, kissing or shaking hands, etc.).

I know which areas are considered unsafe in the cities I will visit.

I know which forms of public transportation are safest to use.

I know where to get help if I need it.

I have a small flashlight to carry with me at night.

I have only given out my mailing address to people I know, and those people will inform me before they send me any mail/packages.

I am aware of the prevailing local attitudes towards, and local laws dealing with, sexual harassment and sexual assault.

I am aware of any travel advisories issued by the U.S. State Department for the countries to which I will be traveling.

Special Issues

I am aware of the prevailing local sentiment towards people of my cultural background, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, etc.

I am aware of how past and current U.S. policy has affected/affects the countries where I will visit.

I know how to avoid confrontations over politics/religion, and how to avoid provoking unwanted attention by not flaunting my "American–ness".

I am aware of the prevailing national sentiment towards the U.S. and U.S. citizens in the countries I will visit.

Crisis Management

I am familiar with my program's Emergency Action Plan.

I have updated my EAP and given copies of it to all of my U.S. and abroad emergency contacts.

In the event of serious injury or death, I have made my wishes clear to family in the U.S., and to my program director abroad.

I am aware of what my program, the Embassy and the Consulate can and cannot do to assist me in the event of a crisis.

I have been provided with comprehensive information from my program, and I have shared this information with parents/guardians/family members.

I have more than one way to keep in touch with home while abroad (i.e. through e–mail, calling card, fax, etc...)

I can identify the three phases of crisis, as well as the physical and emotional symptoms that may affect me during each phase.

I know which active steps I will take in a crisis in order to make myself feel calmer and safer.

I recognize the fact that I may experience emotional side–affects from crisis, and that my emotional responses to crisis are normal.

Adjustments and Culture Shock

I am already familiar with some major cultural differences between home and the country in which I will study (i.e.: religion, language, laws)?

I understand that it is normal to experience culture shock, including feelings of anxiety, depression and frustration.

If my depression does not go away, I know where to get help (i.e.: a student counselor)?

I expect to have both good days and bad when learning to overcome my culture shock, and I will be patient with myself as I learn to adapt.

I know that I am not alone in how I feel.

I will try not to be negative or overly critical of another country's culture. Instead, I will look for the positives that a culture possesses.

I will make an effort to meet and make friends with locals rather than just hanging around other Americans.

I will not let terrorist threats turn my culture shock into culture fear.

Upon return home, I will be patient with myself again as I experience reverse culture shock. (This includes trying not to be overly critical of the U.S. just because being home is not like being abroad.)

Airport Safety, Duties and Customs

I have all of my identification and travel documents in an assessable, yet secure, location.

I did not accept anything from anyone before boarding my flight.

I packed my bags myself and know exactly what's in them.

My bags never left my sight or supervision before they were checked in.

I filled out all necessary declaration forms.

I was honest in declaring everything I am bringing into or out of the U.S.?

I was careful to avoid carrying any item that be considered illegal in the U.S. or in New Zealand, or may cause me to be suspected of smuggling.

Reverse Culture Shock

I am already familiar with some major cultural differences between home and in New Zealand.

I understand that it is normal to experience reverse culture shock, including feelings of anxiety, depression and frustration towards home and the United States.

If my depression does not go away, I know where to get help (i.e.: a student counselor)?

I expect to have both good days and bad when learning to overcome my reverse culture shock, and I will be patient with myself as I learn to adapt back to life in the United States.

I know that I am not alone in how I feel.

I will try not to be negative or overly critical of United States or a New Zealander culture. Instead, I will look for the positives that a culture possesses.

Upon return home, I will be patient with myself again as I experience reverse culture shock. (This includes trying not to be overly critical of the U.S. just because being home is not like being abroad.)

Making the Study Abroad Experience Count at Home

I have arranged for course registration while abroad.

I have taken care of forms and applied for scholarships at my home campus while abroad.

I have thought of ways to add an international component to my studies at home.

I will try to find ways to integrate my study abroad experience with my world at home.

I have begun looking at ways to use my study abroad experience to build my resume.

I know that there are resources for finding other study, internship, volunteer, and work experiences abroad.